Now, as for the guy she’s talking to, I hate to say it, but I do agree with him that our nation would be better served if we elevated the discussion to the important issues without tangling those issues up in irrelevant nonsense.

However, he is utterly failing in flames trying to illustrate this. Plus, Maddow’s show, and pretty much every other show that’s not on Sunday morning, is not the forum for these weighty discussions.

Rachel Maddow bashing McSame and BarbieDoll on a nightly basis is NOT the same as BarbieDoll fanning the flames of hatred at a McSame rally of the faithful. No matter what that guy said. What DID that guy say, anyway? I didn’t get most of it.

I watched the Rachel Maddow show last night and saw the interview live. What struck me, among other things, was how Frum kept interrupting her, but she mostly let him finish what he was saying. A large part of intelligent discourse is listening to what the other person is saying. If you’re not listening, then how do you expect to discuss? Also, I don’t think he ever did answer Rachel’s question: In what way is her jocular delivery the same as calls for acts of violence against the opposition at McCain rallies?

Frum did have a good point about serious discourse, however, as Rachel pointed out, there is also a place for conveying information through humor: Different people communicate and learn in different ways.

But … he critisised his party and had absolutely no expectation that they’ll win.

I think he’s that rare critter, an honest politico. He does honestly think that the Dems are ‘big government’ and the Press should be as in the sixties – nicely keeping quiet about Kennedy’s shagging around.

Sit him down and show him just how wrong he is about who is doing the ‘big gubmint’ thing, and I think he could be convinced.

Does it not seem a little hypocritical for someone who used to write speeches for George Bush, who is surely the dumbest American president ever, to be complaining about the level of political discourse?

Full credit to Maddow for giving her guest time to air his opinions and giving considered responses. My respect for her grows every time I see her on the intertoobz (I live in the UK so I don’t see her on TV).

Another thing to think about: how are we to be serious when the GOP have fielded such a preposterous presidential pairing? At the top of the ticket is an aged hothead with daddy issues who may well croak in his first term in office. His running mate is such a cartoon character that if someone like her had appeared in a work of fiction, nobody would have been able to take it seriously. Humour is the only response in such a tragic situation.

I can’t help but note how conservatives invariably seem to get onto the “decorum” issue when they have no better arguments — “well, we may be wrong, but at least we’re not RUDE.” (substitute “at least we take it seriously” or “why are you so angry?” as appropriate)

Someday, I hope to meet ERV in person so I can tell her how proud she has made me. I’m an OU grad, and the football team never made me feel the way I did when I read about ERV and her fellow students at the Dembski appearance. Rachel Maddow is sensational, too.

Late to the party, alas. Meant to post this back on the 15th or so and kept getting distracted by this real life thing.

Saw this. Frum pulled an EPIC FAIL on his Diplomacy check, and he knew it. Looked like a man forced to eat his own career, one nasty trick after another, without ketchup, and all he could do is try to lecture Ms. Maddow about how she’s part of the problem.

Concern troll much, Frumster?

Anyway, Ms. Maddow showed far more class and restraint than I would have, and definitely more than the likes of Coulter, Billo, or Hannity, so that’s a win for MSNBC even without someone rolling the magic ‘1’…

..Full credit to Maddow for giving her guest time to air his opinions and giving considered responses. My respect for her grows every time I see her on the intertoobz (I live in the UK so I don’t see her on TV).